Above / A tired old branch suddenly “just snapped and fell” from an enormous mature tree located in the parkway along Oswego Road near Naperville-Plainfield Road. (Photo courtesy PN reader)
On Saturday, July 28, a large parkway tree along Oswego Road in Naperville Township lost a huge branch that blocked the street for a good part of the afternoon. A PN reader sent a photo (above) of the branch and the response of the Naperville Police to be on location to protect public safety at the intersection.
In recent weeks, we’ve also heard reports from folks about sudden microbursts around town, and one that downed huge mature trees over near Gartner Road and Julian.
Another enormous tree on a corner-lot property located along Whispering Hills was uprooted in June, creating quite a sight with offers of “free wood.”
We contacted certified arborist Skeet for some advice for folks with big old trees in their yards. What kind of care is advised? And how often?
Saturday was calm and sunny with big fluffy cumulus clouds slowly moving in the bright blue sky. No rain was in sight. And just like that, the big branch broke, falling unexpectedly across the road. It could have been a disaster. How can such mishaps be prevented?
“Since this is a township parkway tree, recommendation would be to have the township forester inspect the tree,” replied Skeet, after he observed the photo. Later Skeet provided a link to general tree care with detailed information that possibly can help. www.bartlett.com/storm-damage.cfm
Skeet also reminds residents that during this hot spell, watering all trees is necessary with special care as noted in the update at the bottom of this post.
Naperville Township Highway Department Contact Info
As advised, we called the Naperville Township Highway Department at (630) 978-0380 where we learned tree trimming is planned every fall. Receptionist Cathy DiSanto suggested a visit to www.napervilletownship.com would provide more information about the maintenance and services provided to unincorporated roads by the Highway Department within the boundaries of Naperville Township.
Old Trees Also Stand within Naperville City Limits
Of course, this community— settled along the DuPage River in 1831 and recognized as a Tree City USA for more than 27 years—also supports many varieties of tall trees in historic neighborhoods, local parks and along the Riverwalk. What’s a resident to do?
According to the City of Naperville website, “Parkway trees are city property and cannot be removed without a Removal Permit issued by the City Forester. The Forester will be happy to inspect the tree and discuss its treatment or replacement with you. If it needs to be replaced, you will receive a mailing listing the trees available and instructing you to choose one, indicate your choice on the enclosed post card and return it to the Public Works Department by the indicated due date. The tree will then be planted as part the next planting program (spring or fall).”
To report any potential hazard from a parkway tree (a tree between the sidewalk and the street), call the Department of Public Works at (630) 420-6095, state your concern and someone will direct you to the person who can help.
Tour your property, especially if you have aging tree stock in your yard, after a windy thunderstorm.
You also might want to contact a certified arborist for advice about a trim.
http://www.naperville.il.us/residents/our-urban-forest/
Consider the beauty of trees a great asset
In the Midwest, many different varieties of trees change with the season and beautify the landscape with their structure and foliage, while giving value to homes, corporate areas, neighborhoods, parks and forest preserves. Trees also conserve energy, help clean the air, protect rivers and streams and provide a natural habitat for native wildlife.
We’re mindful that intense weather events sometimes can take their toll long after the storm. That’s why it’s a good idea to examine mature trees after a storm to check for damage from harsh wind or heavy rain. Take steps to ensure that trees are healthy and resilient in order to survive extended drought by protecting tree roots and bark, pruning properly and watering effectively for the age of the tree. All kinds of info is searchable online.
We’re also keenly aware trees have life spans. Certified arborists can help determine when trees are decayed, have reached the end of a healthy life and need to be felled for public safety. The community watched when the landmark Hobson Oak was taken down by DuPage County crews nearly two years ago.
Microbursts in Summer 2011
Back in 2011, a microburst blew from west to east along Sequoia Road, uprooting numerous trees in several yards in its path. When neighbors heard trees snap along the parkway and front yards, they rushed outside to check the damage and to commiserate, expressing the good fortune that no one had been hurt.
When we returned inside, the view through our back windows totally was blocked. To our surprise, in that instant, the microburst also had whipped around the corner of our house and through our backyard, toppling a huge locust tree that damaged our deck railing, all our cutters and our roof. We were lucky none of the windows was broken.
Later that day and the next day in the daily newspapers, we learned of a string of severe thunderstorms with microbursts throughout DuPage County and northern Illinois, a freaky weather day with widespread wind damage that uprooted many neighborhood trees throughout Naperville.
Anyone with a recommendation for the care of trees is welcome to reply to this post. Thanks for reading. —PN
RELATED NEWS, Aug. 3, 2018 / Skeet adds, ‘Water! Water! Water!’
How to water trees
The lack of rain and high heat that’s been experienced this season creates a dangerous water deficit for trees. Root systems for urban trees are often thin and shallow and vulnerable to drying out, especially on trees in poor condition.
First, prioritize watering needs on your property. Trees can be permanently damaged and may not recover, so watering “at risk” trees is more important.
• Recently transplanted trees and shrubs (reduced root systems).
• Any tree that has received root or other damage.
• Susceptible species such as ash trees (Emerald Ash Borer target).
• Sensitive species such as Sugar and Norway Maple.
• Floodplain species such as Pin Oak, River Birch and Red Maple
• Trees in planters or parking islands (limited root space).
• Trees growing outside their normal range.
• Any specimen or favored tree.
One inch of water per week recommended when there’s no rainfall
Skeet recommends 1 inch of water per week when there is no rainfall.The rootzone of one large tree may spread over a 30’x30’ area. One inch of water over this area would require 560 gallons of water or over ten 55-gallon barrels! An open garden hose would need to run wide open for almost one hour to deliver this much water.
Adding a sprinkler will cut down the flow requiring more time. A cup can make a perfect gauge for your sprinkler’s flow rate.
Deeply soaking less often is more efficient than frequent light waterings. Soil should be allowed to dry between watering for root aeration.
What kind of watering device should be used?
Soaker hoses waste less water than sprinklers, but must be moved frequently for good coverage. Watering at night or morning is best.
Oscillating sprinklers work well if placed next to the trunk and directed at the dripline.
Do not allow the watering stream to come in contact with the bark. Water is primarily absorbed by the root system, and not by the leaves/needles. Please try to avoid spraying the leaves/needles as this could cause fungus issues.
Watering every day will cause tree root rot issues. Roots need oxygen, and watering every day can suffocate the root system as the water pushes out the oxygen. (Note Naperville’s every other day watering policy. Even numbered street addresses water on even numbered dates. Odd numbered street addresses water on odd dates.)
Proper mulching is the next most important thing you can do to help your trees. Please keep the mulch off the trunks of the trees. Mulch like a donut, not like a volcano.
Leaf drop is normal during heat waves
Please remember that individuals go inside or find shade when it is hot. The trees response is to drop leaves, or solar panels, to keep cool. Leaf drop is normal, when temperatures rise above 80 degrees or high humidity.
Last updated, Aug. 3, 2018
